Central Park Engagement in New York City

Central Park Engagement New York in Autumn

During the last week of October, Lindsey and I flew out to New York for a week of birthday celebrations and to photograph a Central Park engagement. We had been planning the details of our trip and brainstorming ideas back and forth with the team of local artists we were collaborating with the month leading up to the trip.

The trees in Central Park were already changing their colors. Deep shades of orange and yellow the trees. Sprinkled throughout, you could find hints of greens.

Everyone met at the apartment we were staying at in the morning to get hair and makeup started. While glam was in full effect, I photographed the details of the day. One of my favorite parts of any styled shoot or wedding is by far the details. One of the most important characteristics that distinguish a shoot from others and make it truly unique. There were large windows in our living room, where I set up my little studio.

FLWR Studio created the most beautiful floral arrangements for us, and Scribbles & Swirls Calligraphy crafted the most elegant invitation suite. To top it off, Trumpet & Horn loaned us a handful of antique jewelry that I flew out.

Once hair and makeup concluded, the model slip into the first dress of the day, then we headed out. It was a brisk day in the middle of Fall, but the weather was perfect — and the crowds of New York were fortunately at a lull for the day. We were staying on the Upper West Side, just blocks from the park. We made our way over to the first location of the day we stopped to capture a few frames along the way.

The day before our shoot, I went on a bike ride with Lindsey around the park to find the best locations for us to shoot. There were a few iconic shots that were absolute must-haves for me, so we visited those spots first. Bethesda Fountain is by far one of the most popular places for tourists to go, but under the bridge just next to it is the most beautiful tile work and classic architecture.

I knew I had to get some shots there, and it turned out to be my favorite location, and I captured my favorite photo of the day there. Afterward, we walked over to the stairs overlooking the park. We were on a bustling path, so Lindsey and Emily from FLWR Studio positioned themselves as human roadblocks, which allowed us to capture unobstructed portraits.

Because skyscrapers surround the park, we were shooting in, “sunset” actually happens about an hour and a half earlier than everywhere else. We quickly hurried back to the apartment for an outfit change and then headed back for our last locations of the evening.

We walked down to the lake that had the most picturesque view of the multicolored trees. There was a great rock formation that we hopped and enjoyed the most beautiful view of the park. We wrapped up at dusk and quickly got back to the apartment to avoid the rapidly dropping temperatures.

The shoot was an absolute success, and I can’t wait to return for another Central Park bridal editorial!

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Lombardi House Wedding in Los Angeles

As spring approached, Ivory Birch and I were in the midst of putting together another bridal editorial featuring some of Los Angele’s most inspired wedding talent. The direction of the shoot was to incorporate clean white as a base palette and tie in Pantone’s highlighted hues of green – with a kick of gold. I immediately knew that the creative direction of the shoot would be beautifully executed at the Lombardi House. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this hidden gem set the scene for our bridal editorial.

Boasting vaulted ceilings, expansive white walls, and country French flair – the background was accented by a stunning tablescape, a floral wall installation, and the most pristine vintage Rolls Royce. Choosing a couple for a shoot is a particular task that can become daunting and overwhelming. We were fortunate to bring the model’s real-life boyfriend on set with us. Their chemistry was real, which allowed me to capture more genuine moments between the two. Not to mention, there’s a fun dynamic when working with your significant other. Kicking it into high gear, we had to work quickly to work within a tight timeframe. The amount of detail incorporated, and the flawless execution – was a testament to our creative team.

Lindsey (Ivory Birch) and I painted the scene where integral settings would take place. While Inessa’s team started unloading a van (yes, an entire van!) full of florals, Dianuh was preparing to do a live calligraphy session. Justin prepped the video camera, Mel pulled in the driveway with his beautifully polished car, and we were officially ‘a go’!. They say it takes a village, which couldn’t be more true. I am grateful to be a part of an industry that allows creative minds to come together. A huge thanks to everyone who made this Lombardi House wedding happen.

Featured in Style Me Pretty

Photography | Alex W Photography

Fine Art Desert Bridal Editorial

Luxury Bridal Inspiration for the Modern Bride

As wedding season came to a close, we decided to create something entirely for inspiration — a styled shoot designed for the modern bride seeking luxury bridal inspiration. We teamed up with a talented group of Los Angeles wedding professionals, and together we traveled to a desert location to capture a bridal editorial featuring gowns by Floravere. While the journey was long, it allowed us to plan carefully, and ultimately, we arrived with the perfect mindset to craft an editorial that feels both bold and timeless.

Elevated Wedding Dress Inspiration

Once we arrived, we immediately scouted the dunes, noticing how the light shifted across the multi-colored mountains. Then, we began styling four fashion-forward wedding dresses, pairing them intentionally with vintage gold accessories to echo the soft, buttery sand. Meanwhile, deep red florals provided striking contrast and reflected the warmth of autumn. As we worked, every choice reinforced the editorial direction we envisioned. Later, the gowns moved effortlessly against the landscape, allowing the modern bride to appear confident, poised, and fashion-forward.

Editorial Bridal Styling with Intentional Details

While we set up hair and makeup, our team coordinated the floral elements and accessory details. Inessa Nichols crafted a whimsical gold lunaria crown, while also designing a bouquet of wild grasses, nigella pods, and ranunculus. Together, these pieces added texture and dimension without overpowering the gowns. As the sun began to dip, we adjusted accessories and poses to maximize natural light. Meanwhile, every element — from flowing fabrics to sculptural florals — contributed to a cohesive story of luxury bridal style.

Minimalist Details, Maximum Impact

As the sky shifted to soft purples and pinks, we transitioned to the tablescape setup. We layered warm candlelight, antique accents, and desert florals, creating a minimalist yet luxurious composition. Later, while photographing the couple, the cotton-candy sky offered the perfect backdrop. Then, we captured portraits that emphasized movement, light, and editorial elegance. Ultimately, this styled shoot demonstrates that luxury bridal inspiration for the modern bride thrives in intentional styling, cohesive design, and a bold, fashion-forward approach.